Translations
Original
Notes
Traditionally, Jews avoided Gentiles and did not consider them part of God’s people. They called them uncircumcised, meaning they had not received the sign of the covenant (see Genesis 17:9–14). But Paul taught that it is shallow to judge people based only on outward signs. What matters is a person’s heart and faith. In Christ, physical circumcision does not make someone part of God’s family (see Romans 2:28–29).
Paul now focuses on the grace God has given, particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews). God brought them into his family and united them with Jews in a new, unified, multiethnic community. This new community is the body of Christ, the church. Paul’s focus on including Gentiles suggests they might have experienced discrimination from Jewish Christians.
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Church Circumcision Foreigner Letter to the Ephesians Second Letter to the Thessalonians Sin Uncircumcision
Topics
Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Abrogated Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Gentiles: Excluded from Israel's Privileges The Jews: Despised all Strangers Uncircumcision: General Scriptures Concerning